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Monday, June 04, 2007

New Addition - Toyz in da House 2

This Sunday past saw the Umbrella Collective journey to fellow Umbrella Girl Shannon Garson's house in the mountains for some playful planning and some serious lunch. Maleny is a lovely little town set among green rolling hills only an hour and half away from Brisbane city. While there we had a quick look-see in some of the shops especially Maleny Antiques. I found this quirky Chinese man doll there for only $4!

He had such a interesting egg shaped head that I couldn't pass him over. Also his little shoes and the extremely firm quality of the stuffing and yet a remarkable flexibility to the legs intrigue my toy maker's instincts. He has Honk Kong stamped on the bottom of his right shoe and must have been a type of souvenir doll many years ago.

So now he lives with me and all my little toy friends. The Japanese folk toy cat has become quite fond of him already :)

8 comments:

when I was a little girl I had a set of two dolls similar to the one in your photo - a girl doll had a little baby doll on her back and a boy doll....so, guess I had 3 dolls! I remember I was still 'carrying' them about with me up until 15 years ago (long since boxed up) now I wonder if they are still about somewhere.? if so I should find them and free them from their box. I believe my dad brought them home from his travels and they could be as old as 50 years old or as young as 45.... they did have the most lovely silk jackets and even removable shoes.

Hi Rashbre, yes I do know about the Daruma Dolls. Daruma is the Japanese name for the monk who brought Zen Budhism to China. He was said to have mediated for nine years and his arms and legs rotted away that is why he is portrayed in his character red "bag". The tradition with the eyes is that it is only with eyes that one has a spirit. When setting out with a goal or wish one gives the doll one eye, then asking for success promise the other eye. If the venture or wish is not delivered the doll does not receive its final eye....thus doesn't get its spirit...the doll is then burnt. interesting isn't it!